Spring Bear Viewing

May-June

  • View black and grizzly bears, sometimes with tiny cubs
  • Walk in BC’s ancient inland rainforest, the only such ecosystem in the world
  • Follow forest trails used by bears, moose, elk, wolves, beavers and cougars
  • Head out in tiny groups – typically 2 to 4 guests with one bear guide
  • Drive to our lodge from Calgary, Vancouver, or Spokane in the US
  • Optional hot tub or sauna right on the banks of our river
  • Hosted and guided by veteran bear guide Julius Strauss

Spring Bear Viewing

Black bears cubs in a tree at Wild Bear Lodge

In May and June we offer spring bear viewing in and around our remote valley. We typically see multiple black bears and we often see grizzly bears.

Spring is vibrant and the long days allow us to roam far and wide. We head into hidden valleys, sometimes along trails that we have fashioned ourselves, or walk into the sub-alpine just as the snow is melting.

On some of the evenings you are with us we will head out again after dinner. The warm spring evenings can be a great time to see bears that only emerge as the sun begins to set.

A Plethora of other Wild Animals

Cougar in the yard at Wild Bear Lodge

Apart from bears we see many other wild animals around us. Those we see fairly regularly include coyotes, elk, porcupine, moose and beavers. Among our rarer sightings are wolves, lynx, bobcats and cougars.

The spring is not only a great time for bear viewing, it is also the best time to see our rich bird life.

You will see many of the songbirds that gather in our garden and you may also see bald eagles, various woodpeckers, and different types of hawks. In the alpine we often see Clark’s Nutcrackers and Grey Jays. You will almost certainly see dozens of hummingbirds who return after wintering in central America, before heading further north.

Crisp mountain air, a fresh local table, the crackle of a wood burning stove

A Typical Day With Us

Watching a black bear at Wild Bear Lodge

A typical day will see you waking up in your own log cabin by the river. We serve breakfast in the main house.

After breakfast we may take you spotting for bears that have recently emerged from denning. Or walk into a remote wilderness valley to view bears feeding on grasses and flowers.

We are located in the inland temperate rainforest, the only of its kind in the world.

We walk among trees that are up to a thousand years old and take in the beauty of the virgin land, much of it unchanged since modernity arrived.

We serve a fresh dinner early evening in the lodge. On one night of your holiday, we will light the campfire and barbeque, and fire up the sauna and hot tub which is suspended over the river.

Our Commitment to Safety

Bear-watching. Black bear at Wild Bear Lodge.

Safety is at the core of what we do. As well as being trained naturalists and certified bear guides, we are also trained in off-road driving, swift-water rescue (rafting guides only) and wilderness first aid.

Julius, your lead guide, has nearly two decade’s experience walking around wild bears and is one of the few guides in BC certified to train new guides.

Wild Bear Lodge is a member of the British Columbia Commercial Bear Viewing Association, an organisation which is responsible for promoting safe viewing and bear conservation.

We are also heavily engaged in lobbying and conservation work, aimed at ensuring that bears have a place on the landscape for centuries to come.

Pricing & Availability

  • A four-night holiday at Wild Bear Lodge in May or June is priced at $2,980.
  • Our rates are in Canadian dollars, per person, and include all meals, drinks, accommodation and guided tours.
  • These prices are based on double occupancy .
  • They include a $100 donation to our conservation fund.
  • They do not include 5% tax, or optional gratuities.